PianoMaggie

28/08/2026

I got up aiming to go for a run today after quickly sorting out my timetable and invoices for the new academic year.

I did indeed go for a run.

I'm just back. It's 4pm.

Something took a little longer than I'd planned...

15/08/2026

June Armstrong is one of my favourite composers, and one of the first pieces I got of hers was The Return of the Wild Geese. Full of character, it tells the story musically of geese returning to the shores of Ireland. They fly miles in September/October time to winter in Ireland. The music encompasses some of this difficulty in varying speeds and changing the number of beats in a bar. And as is June's style, even the score on the page looks like the formation of geese in the sky.

Well I've just been on holiday to Ireland and thoroughly enjoyed a morning in EPIC in Dublin, a museum about the many people through history who've emigrated from the beautiful Emerald Isle. And there I found details of a different use of the phrase Wild Geese - a term used to describe those emigrating.

Here are some photos from the museum displays (well worth a visit if ever you're over there).

And if you're a pianist, check out June's music at pianissimo publishing. Maybe you've already got a favourite - do share what that is. There's something for everyone. I'll put a link to Return of The Wild Geese in the comments.

June Armstrong's Play for the Composer

12/06/2026

What a wonderful evening!

08/06/2026

Find this article really interesting because it's something students often comment on, yet I'm unable to give a satisfying explanation.

Scientists finally unravel the mysteries of a pianist’s ‘touch’ after measuring hand and finger movements with "microscopic spatial precision" | MusicRadar

Is the humble piano a far more expressive instrument than we previously thought?

03/06/2026

It was lovely to welcome Herbie Hippo back again tonight, along with photos of him in his hotel room in Singapore!
We enjoyed tapping, singing and playing his song on the piano.

02/06/2026

The joy on this young man’s face.😍 After weeks of working on “Bluebird Bluebird”, he finally heard himself playing it with hardly an error. We just had to record it and celebrate the moment. 🎉🎉

22/05/2026

Another fabulous student has flown the nest. Superb final lesson when he made the piano sing.

He, like so many, is focusing on revision now. Good luck to any sitting exams at the moment. I hope you all create space for relaxing at the piano during your half term holiday break.

He gave me this card (which I LOVE) with some very kind words in the back. Thank you for the music!

16/05/2026

Listening is such a vital part of piano playing. What are you listening to today?

13/05/2026

Had a lovely time playing card games to learn musical terms tonight. I lost each time. 😥😂

01/05/2026

The lovely Karen has created a gorgeous sheet to inspire a little creativity. Anyone fancy having a go? Musical sound track for a butterfly.

So, here's an idea I've been constructing this weekend. I'm going to do this with my students this week. Let's see what creative genius and enjoyment comes out of it! Feel free to use it if you're a teacher but please credit me. Thanks. Love to hear your feedback!